New security products for cars and homes announced by Amazon

Amazon announced a car device that sounds an alarm when a break-in or bump is detected. It unveiled a vehicle security camera, and the Ring Car Connect software that works with other vehicle cameras.

Amazon.com Inc on Thursday announced a drone for recording security video inside homes and car products for alerting vehicle owners about attempted break-ins.

The news reflects Amazon’s growing security business since its acquisition of smart doorbell maker Ring in 2018, an attempt that’s drawn scrutiny from civil liberties advocates. It also represents Amazon’s latest push into shoppers’ homes, which evolved from package delivery years ago to gadgets that permit consumers close up the lights or stream media by voice command.

Amazon’s indoor drone, the Ring Always Home Cam available next year, aims to capture video where customers otherwise lack static cameras. It can show users video where an alarm has gone off, said Amazon vice President Daniel Rausch.

“It’s super reassuring to be ready to get a view inside your home,” he said in an interview. The device only records while flying, Ring said.

The company also announced a car device that sounds an alarm when a break-in or bump is detected. It unveiled a vehicle security camera, and therefore the Ring Car Connect software that works with other vehicle cameras for video replay and alerting. Tesla Inc is that the first automaker whose models are compatible.

Ring devices have garnered criticism from civil liberties advocates like the San Francisco-based Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), which has said the corporate should end partnerships with police.

“Amazon and other companies offer a high-speed digital mechanism by which individuals can make snap judgments about who does, and who doesn't , belong in their neighborhood, and summon police to confront them,” EFF staff wrote during a June blog post.

Ring President Leila Rouhi said in an interview the corporate will never proactively share videos with law enforcement; users control what to share. Ring’s aim is to offer peace of mind, she said.

Amazon also announced a cloud-based gaming service called Luna, spherical Echo speakers and features for its voice assistant Alexa, just like the ability to delete all prior recordings. Various subscriptions help Amazon monetize the products.

The new devices come as Amazon is functioning to take care of U.S. market share in smart speakers over rivals Apple Inc and Alphabet Inc's Google.

In addition to the present, the company announced a replacement Echo Dot, Echo Dot with the clock and Echo. Amazon also introduced the next-generation Fire TV Stick, the all-new Fire TV Stick Lite, and a reimagined Fire TV experience that's more personal and customized.